NNPC Debunks Reports of fire Incident at Warri Refinery, assures Smooth Operations

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has dismissed reports of a fire outbreak at the recently restarted Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), clarifying that the facility is undergoing routine maintenance to ensure stable operations.  

In a statement issued on Friday, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, refuted claims of an explosion at the refinery, emphasizing that such reports were entirely false.  

"NNPC Ltd wishes to clarify that there was no explosion at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). Any reports suggesting otherwise are completely inaccurate," the statement read.  

Soneye explained that on January 25, 2025, operations at WRPC’s Area 1 were deliberately scaled down to facilitate critical intervention work on select equipment. This maintenance was necessary to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of operations, particularly in relation to field instruments affecting production stability.  

“These intervention activities are essential to ensure the production of high-quality finished and intermediate products, including Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Kerosene (Kero),” the statement added.  

NNPC reassured the public that the planned maintenance was progressing smoothly and that operations in Area 1 would resume fully within a few days.  

Despite the ongoing technical interventions, the company confirmed that AGO loading has remained consistent, averaging eight trucks per day over the past 11 days. The statement further assured that there is an adequate supply of petroleum products to sustain truck load-out operations.  

“NNPC Ltd remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted product availability and appreciates the patience and cooperation of all stakeholders as it completes these crucial maintenance activities,” the company stated.  

The Warri refinery recently resumed operations as part of NNPC’s broader efforts to boost domestic fuel production and enhance Nigeria’s refining capacity. The company continues to work toward optimizing local refining operations to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.